Akai MPC-1000

My first ever review of anything, i'm a natural lurker than contributor. I feel i must add to my previous reviewers comments because i simply love this machine. I also began with hardware sequencers (Korg M1 which you could remove notes in real time by holding a button and pressing the appropriate key- never found in a DAW). I do feel that i may have wasted years in software (until i discoverered Live4.0 which i now use for capture and mixing). It may be a cliche but something feels right about output of this simple machine. I bought battery and converted it to 16 bit and placed on the MPC'c harddrive as a library, drums sorted the rest of my studio is hardware and this is the sequencer that creates the workflow. How you work is the most important element in creation and somehow this helps me.

I'm on the free JJ os still but it is such a great improvement over Akai OS that i haven't missed new features.

Considered upgrading to MPC2500 but just had a son.

If your not retarded...

Thanks JJ...

OK. Everyone agrees a sampler sounds as good as the sounds you put into it. WRONG. The akai MPC 1000 is the least dynamic, most flat sounding piece of a sampler i've ever used. And that's including a Dr. Sample. Sure, i use it to sequence my emu 5000 ultra and yamaha a 3000 but i'll never waste my time putting a sample on it again. That upside down smily face EQ is a big fat frown.

Wish my pads still worked. At least the sequencer does... Whoever hasn't had this thing glitch or freeze never worked it very hard.

I wish i wasn't too stupid to just do my sequencing on cracked software on the computer. I'm feeling generous, i'll give it a five.

Using JJ OS2 V1.18 This machine is beastly. My first MPC was a 60mkII, then I upgraded to a 3000. Got this last year. Its an MPC, thru and thru, no matter what people say about those classic models. They sound very good, but so does this. It sounds like an Akai, which means punchy midrange and midbass. Its almost like an inverse smileyface EQ is applied to the outputs...

Very very easy to understand the basics and use it, although, JJ has added so much functionality that you really should study the manual. Once you have an understanding of the newly added features, you'll soon come to appreciate the manner in which they're implemented, because they fit right in to the workflow. And boy can I fly on this machine!

See, I've used both Logic and Live extensively, and while the MPC1k can't compare on the basis of features, it wins hands down on workflow! And not only that, but I find that the best music I've made has been on this little wedge! Screw features, its all about the music.

JJ has added :
a full ADSR

simult pad (from the older models - don't know what Akai was thinking leaving it out)

simult sequence

Global Program Edit (edit programs in a table layout, edit one parameter for all pads, etc.)

grid edit (similar to the MIDI edit screens in DAWs)

editable track overview in the Main screen (see and edit the notes as you record/play them)

additional Q-Link parameters (including Q-Link to MIDI CC)

an improved Chop Shop with your choice of destructive or non-destructive chopping

the ability to hear your sample in context while in Trim mode

additional sample editing features like fade-in/fade-out

Audio tracks (record and play back long samples)
a track mixer

instrument programs (for multi-sampled instruments)

.........

You get the point. This little sucker is a powerhouse thanks to JJ!

The basics: 2 MIDI ins/outs, 2 audio ins (with input monitoring capability) and 6 audio outs, USB to computer for file transfer, HDD capable (up to 120GB I believe), standard PC100/PC133 memory (256MB gives you 128MB of RAM, however), CF slot (up to 2GB although users have reported cards as big as 8GB working), 32 note poly, 64 tracks per sequence, 99 sequences, 99 Programs, song mode to chain sequences, MIDI Clock, MTC, and more...

The original pads suck, but the Akai pad-fix (which come on new machines since last Nov.) installs the tried and true pad design that's been used since the very first MPC 60. They left a little space between the rubber pads, and the sensor board, but if you stuff some thin pieces of paperboard (or cut squares out of a record cover) under there, then they're perfect. Everybody won't like the pads, because they don't give like e.g. the Korg PadKontrol, but once broken in (not sure if its the pads or your fingers that get broken in....) they're extremely responsive, and JJ has included some options that allow you to highly customize pad response.

The sequencer? Best hardware sequencer ever! The only downside (for some, not for me) is the resolution of 96BPM. Other than that, its the fastest and easiest to use, and it inspires more creativity than any other hardware sequencer I've ever' used (which includes Roland MC-50, Yamaha QY100, EMU MP-7, and several integrated workstation sequencers).

Has that signature Akai sound, dry, unflattering, a little grainy, mid-forward. Really, its funny that based on that description, the Akai's seem like samplers to avoid... But in the real world, it works. Damn well.

I don't know what it is, but I could build the same pattern in the 1k and in Guru, and I would prefer the one in the 1k 9 times out of 10. I've concluded that the Akai sample engine is just very well suited to drum and vinyl samples. As for multisamples of acoustic or other instruments, if I was going hardware, I'd most likely choose a rack sampler from EMU or someone else, but the MPCs hold their own very well in the sound category because they work well with drum hits and phrase samples...

I also own an Ensoniq ASR-X (best of the 90's 16 bit samplers soundwise) which is very different sounding than the 1k (and the older MPCs) but very very good in its own way. Actually its the perfect complement to the MPC, because its sound is more mid-scooped, with extra emphasis on the lows and highs (and boy does it sound creamy!). And its effects trounce anything Akai has done to date (except maybe the new MPC5k - which I suspect is using Alesis' filter and effects algorithms).

I've never even had so much as a hiccup from any of the MPCs I've owned. Akai is doing something right.

Customer service, in my mind, is more than just warranty service... It includes maintaining a product and its user-base over the lifecycle of the product. Akai gets a 10 for finding JJ, a 0 for dicking JJ, and another 10 for allowing JJ to develop his OS. So I'll give them a 6. Haven't dealt with them personally.

Man, I can't imagine life without my 1k. It will leave my grasp when rigormortis sets in...

I've owned several other hardware samplers and sequencers:

Samplers:
EMU EMAX, E64
Yamaha A4000
Akai MPC60, MPC 3000, S900
Ensoniq ASR-X
Roland S-550, JS-30
etc.

Sequencers: Roland MC-50, Yamaha QY100, EMU MP-7, several workstation integrated sequencers (e.g. Yamaha MOTIF).

All in all, the 1k is not the best sampler of those listed above, but it holds its own when it comes to vinyl, drum, and phrase sampling. But it is by far the best sequencer of the ones listed.

It inspires, in ways that are hard to describe, and you really need to spend some time with it to understand how it happens. And this is the thing that all those DAW converts who dismiss the MPC as antiquated seem to miss. What they all seem to miss is that features don't make art, artists do. So, using the paintbrush that allows you to make the best painting, as opposed to the 'best' paintbrush, just plain makes sense to me. But to each his own.

Anyway, if you're reading this (sorry for being so long-winded - but this machine deserves it...) then I'd guess you're either already an MPC user or considering it (as a side note, its funny that it took for me to buy Guru before I even considered the MPCs) so this is an argument that I don't even need to make to you...

With the original AKAI software a lot of things can be very tedious indeed. Step editing is very limited. So I got myself the JJ OS, version 4, which turns this thing in another beast altogether. It's up to par with the MPC-2500 now, minus some in an outputs. I now have a fully fledged MIDI and grid editor. Not that I mind programming most of the beats in real time, but when I need it it's there in abundance. Without the JJ OS the machine would rate a 5.

The pads are pretty stiff and don't always respond accurately to what you play. Often you get nothing and sometimes you get it double. The polyphony of 32 voices might also be a bit on the low side for people who like to to full-fledged productions on one piece of hardware. I think it's okay though, since I usually just program beats, which I then turn into full productions on my computer.

I got me the 128 Mb extension and a 80 Gb hard disk, which I highly recommend. I can now carry a pretty big sample library and don't have to use USB for loading sounds all the time.

This machine sounds as good as the sample you put in it... and then some. It has the MPC sound: punchy and full. It also has the typical MPC swing, which has gotten famous through numerous hiphop productions (and which you can turn off, of course). It's not the machine for people who like all their sounds to be pristine. It adds a bit of grit, especially when cranked up high. But I love that... and with me a lot of other people.

It's build like a brick. The plastic data dialer looks a bit flimsy though.

No dealings with them yet.

I would definetely get me one again if this one would get stolen. It's an MPC, no more or less. It does all the stuff you'd expect from an MPC ... and that's pretty impressive. It's a highly professional piece of gear and a real asset to my otherwise PC-based studio.

I don't mind the preset sounds as much as other people who posted. Most of them you will not use, but there are a few kicks and snares i use regularly and have gotten few complaints over it. The manual is not very useful for a begginner such as myself, but once you get rolling, it gets a little more helpful

I'm not crazy about the effects, they hardly make a diference. However, this culd be attributed to me still learning how to use and utilize the machine. The filtering and capabilities to alter samples are awesome.

Reacts fairly good to my touch. There are time where I swear I'm playing the sounds perfect on the sequence/loop, but when it plays back, it sounds nothing like what I just played. Again, not sure if it's me or the machine. I use it for hip hop mainly, but can see someone doing reggae and r&b on it as well. Italso seems like it ouwld be great for house and techno.

Seems very reliable thus far. It is very sturdy and I'm amazed the wheel has broken yet, I spin that thing pretty hard and fast. The buttons also feel incredible and strong. I punch the heck out of the pads and my finger tips hurt before the machine does.

I would defintely repace it it were lost or stolen. It was well worth the price. I've only had it for 5 months, so I am still learning. But I am very pleased thus far. I purchased FL Studio software to see if it would be easier to make beats on the computer with pre loaded sounds . . .and it wasn't! It is a pain loading drums and wav files in here, that's actually what I hate about this machine. However, it's just a part of life and once you find a core group of sounds and drums you like to use, the rest is fun. Sampling is great and the samples come out crispy!! I wish it had more memory in it, only 5MB to save sounds in the unit. Also, the RAM upgrade is hot, but I wish it came with the option to buy it already upgraded and pimped out

it s really easy to program and play this sampler as it is very
musical to hack the pads and record what u re playing...

the best live sampler ever!!! very good workflow, usb, hrddisk,
take it in the train and compose traxx, sound is really good, dark,
it s build like a tank, metal case, but not big, if u want to get independant from laptop on stage that s it....

super sound quality!! as it has it s own sound caracter, not the boring hifi roland sound or the typical computer vst sound....

very reliable, never crashes on stage, rock like timing,
big sequencer...

forget the akai os2.0 get the jj s os ver, 3,5
with enormous more funktionality!!! grid editing more stable,etcm akai to ver 2,0

if stolen i must have it again one of my central peace of gear.

using software 2.10... and 128mb ram
erased all presets
the manual is good

easy to get started with, if you can work a tape deck, you can work with this too

64 note polyphony
the stiff pads don't always react as they should, heard many people complaining about this...
the sequencer is very easy to use
love the note repeat function

its a sampler, so the sounds are yours... the samples given with the mpc are allright..., i use it for hiphop and rnb and it works fine... gives a groove to your tracks

never had a crash... i would use it on a gig without backup...

i had a problem with the OS 2.1... once installed my screen was blank...
i phoned akai... they had no idea but were friendly
i mailed akai... never replied

luckily somebody on the www.mpc-forums.com helped me out by telling to press power + erase

i gave it a 2 because the guy on the phone was friendly, although he didn't know $%^& about my problem

its an allright machine, fairly limited sampler, but good to get started... if it got stolen i would replace it, maybe with a 2500/mv 8000

I bought the MPC1000 in August 2005, so I'm on v1.07. The manual is decent, but because this is an entry-level sampler/sequencer, unless you are not smart at all it's pretty self-explanatory. The mode key is color coded to the various sub folders on the pads. Just get used to the MPC terminology (sequence, program, autoload, etc.). The presets honestly suck. I made 5 decent beats with them and quickly deleted them and made my own samples and dowloaded some. Free hip-hop style samples are available for free from various sites, and give a good starting point.

As several others have said, the polyphony is a little unreliable. I've discovered that sometimes longer cymbal samples or my longer vinyl samples cut out well before the polyphony max given by Akai. And almost undoubtedly while a sequence is playing and you switch to the sample recording screen, a long sample WILL drop out. The 2 main outs and 4 assignable outs are nice ideas but the 4 assignable outs are virtually useless because of the difficult mixer section. However, the sequencer is reliable and plays back almost always exactly what you play (but I'm a drummer with accurate timing so...)and the beat locking is very solid with a option for 50%-75% swing or triplets. The full volume feature is very useful for not having to break your fingers on kick and snare parts. Definitly get the 128MB expansion.

The sounds, as stated before, are horrible, but this is a sampler so get your own sounds. I am happy with the sound quality for the 900$ that I paid. Overall very clear. The pads can be set to a velocity curve and sensitivity that fits how hard you play. This is very good, as the preset curve is not optimal. Don't use this machine expecting to produce anything besides rap, or at a stretch drum n bass or dance music. The effects are good with 2 assignable fx, and master compressor and eq, but the assiagnable effects are hendered by the complex mixer but not as much as the mix outs are. The assignable fx are still usable.

It is simply an entry level sequencer. It freezes if used too long; I think the freeze glitch occurs usually when recording one track of a sequence, not stoping playback, and then recording the next track. When you press stop, there is a 3-5% chance the MPC will lock up like a Linn 9000 (Old schoolers know). And this glitch combined with the long-sample dropout problem, is not very reliable. Sure you can sequence on it, and it is portable, but own a MPC 2500 or 4000 also. This is like your iPod and your larger MPC is a Desktop. Cosmetically, you should get a case or the red side panels WILL fall off. Mine are held on by duct tape right now.

I haven't needed assistance, but they gave me a free 128MB expansion, which I appreciate. The upgrades are all on the internet and they have samples of classic drum machines. Seems ok to this point.

If it were lost or stolen, I would get the MPC 2500 which was not out when I bought my MPC. If you travel, you might want a 1000, and if you are just starting out it will be good enough. Just take the video game strategy and save often, as freezing after recording 8 tracks of custom samples can be dangerous for any people who may be around you at that time. If your beats are centered around vinyl samples you might be frustrated with the lack of timestretching. Personally as a keyboard player I should have saved a little longer for a Triton or Fantom X, but if your beats are less melody oriented and more about ryhthms and simple bass, this should be enough for you. I suggest a small midi controller with the MPC1000 for trying to do chords of any kind.

(Version 1.07 software. My machine has the 128 MB RAM upgrade).

I never use the presets, although they do sound OK in a generic way. I built a collection of drum samples and use MIDI to trigger bass and pad sounds from my main synth.

Its not difficult to start making music with the MPC 1000 (especially if you're familiar with old-school hardware drum machines and sequencers) and the manuals (it comes with a Quick-Start guide as well as the full Operators Manual) are decent.

But, when it comes to actually constructing a polished arrangement (rather than jamming on the pads to make simple patterns or loops in real-time), the process is slow and unnecessarily labor-intensive.

The build quality of this box is truly pro-spec. It's chunky, heavy and all the knobs, buttons, connectors etc inspire total confidence. No Radio Shack feel here.

The pads feel great, although I did have to mess around with the various velocity curves and sensitivity settings to get them working properly for me. According to online folklore, Akai's pads actually need to get "broken in"... As far-fetched as this seems, I did find that they got more expressive with time - so it could be true.

Another huge plus (for me anyway) is the number of audio outs - a total of 6 (arranged in three stereo pairs). This was the biggest single reason I picked this box over Roland's MC-909. MIDI works fine.

Sadly though, all of these studly features can't make up for the Achilles heel of this machine - the sequencer. While real-time programming is easy and fun, step editing is a real drag. Even the most basic functions in Step mode are incredibly long-winded and tedious. Worse still, some functions (such as the ability to move an event around in time) simply cannot be achieved at all.

As someone who (almost literally) grew up with hardware drum machines and sequencers, I think I'm more patient than most modern musicians, but these limitations drive me nuts...

This is a sampler/sequencer, so discussing the sounds doesn't seem appropriate. Audio outs are quiet and clean.

As far as "expressiveness" goes, the pads are a real plus - specially for building drum parts. Also, the famous Akai timing makes for a more organic feel than other sequencers/beatboxes I've owned.

Absolutely dependable in my experience. I haven't gigged with it, but I would have no concerns about doing so without a back-up.

No contact with them.

Akai's MPC products have full-blow cult status and thousands of professional DJs, producers and performers around the world make a living using them. However, the MPC-1000 simply hasn't worked out for me.

If it were lost or stolen I would not buy it again. In fact, I've listed it on eBay to clear space in my studio for something else - either an MC-909 or a software-based solution like Reason.

LOVE: The pro construction and audio quality. These things alone probably justify the price of the MPC-1000.

HATE: The limitations and unfriendliness of the sequencer. For me, these issues get in the way of making music. And making music is the whole point - right?

I'm using 1.07, the lastest is as of 04.28.05. I think I overwrote the presets the day I bought it; it now autoloads my preferred samples when I start it up, as well as all my sequences. I think I may be alone in this, but I really bought this for its sequencer, not the sampler, which, as others have mentioned, is very limited. The sequencer has standard "tape transport" style controls, very easy/intuitive. Deep editing of sequences not so easy, as many of the menus are hidden.

It is useful only as a drum/phrase sampler and NOT as a traditional sampler, as tuning over pads is tedious. Also, you can't, as far as I've found, set the volume, effect or pan for a particular program in the internal mixer, you have to set the level/effect/out of each *pad*. Very time consuming, but there are a couple freeware programs (bluebox and mpc1000 program creator) that make it much easier. I think it's 32 note polyphonic, but I'm not sure. I've never had a problem with it running out of voices, but, as others have noted, sometimes it drops a midi event, usually a "note on", which results in a sample not being played, which sucks. Others have complained about the timing, but I find it to be *much* tighter than Logic or Ableton. The compact flash cards load extremely quickly, and they are cheap. I'm using a Sandisk 1GB (works great) and PNY ram... no problems. The effects are rudimentary and fairly useless, but you have 3 sets of stereo outs, so you can use your outboard gear anyway. There are two q-link sliders which are basically worthless, but can be assigned to the unimpressive filters, or, more usefully, tuning or zone. The "note repeat" button is great for doing flams/rolls, or for creating high-hat patterns with subtle variations (ride the HH pad while you hold the "note repeat" button). Also, unlike the MPC2k, you can sample audio and playback MIDI simultaneously. Then, when you assign your phrase to a pad, it plays it back exactly as recorded (you don't have to set the original note as you do with other samplers). Very cool. It has two MIDI ins/outs, and allows you to feed one MIDI in to any midi channel or out depending on the track you've selected.

Again, the sampler is very, very limited, but it's great for drums. If you don't like the feel of the pads (the default setting is stiff) there are 4 different velocity curves to choose from, and you can set each per pad w/16 different levels of sensitivity. Eventually, you'll find one that suits you. It makes programming drums fun instead of the click, cut and paste tedium that sofware sequencers force on you. If you've only ever programmed drum loops in a software sequencer, you really should check out an MPC.

There's something that I do that makes it freeze... I'm not sure what it is, some combination of buttons or feature selection. It usually happens after I've recorded a MIDI part and then immediately try to sample a part over it.

I've not dealt with Akai regarding the MPC1k.

I guess I'm kind of a luddite, as I genuinely hate most computer sequencers. So, yes, I'd buy it again. I've had all the recent MPCs (1k, 2kXL, and 4k) and like the 1k best, but only because I've got "real" samplers to use it with. It would be very frustrating to use as an "instrument" type sampler; don't buy it for that purpose. For a drum machine/sequencer it's great.

It does not come with many sounds and they are all spread out through the different banks which is a little anoying. The manual is pretty good but like most manuals it only gives you the command/button functions and does not explain them in detail.

Most of the features are easy to use but the effects are average at best. The pads are very stiff and not that responsive unless you use the full volume feature.

Since the unit is a sampler it will be up to you to get good ones. Since you need the full volume mode to compensate for the stiff pads you loose the velocity sensitivity.

i would not use this with out a backup. I had to return 2 units because they came out of the box with corrosion on the midi ports. It is a very heavy unit for it's size. Also the eject button for the memory card sticks out and is a little flimsy.

I would not buy it again. I only keep it at my studio for people who want to use it. I have owned and used many different types / brands of gear that i thought were great but I was completely dissapointed with this unit. I can see why some people think they like it but I think the reason everyone buys one is because of good advertising.

not to hard, the manual is pretty poorly written at times but you can get the gist of it pretty easily. the mpc-forums site has alot of good advice

theres a few things missing from other mpc's like delay and time stretch but i do my editing on pc anyways so the only thing i wishi it had was onboard syncd delay... i miss that!

well what you sample is what you get back! the effects are decent dispite what some people say.. i like the reverd and ive heard alot of complaints with that!

so far no probs! apparently theres a few bugs but mines been acting fine thus far.. since im not a millionair id have to gig without a back up and i would be bummed i trust it

never delt with em

i like it alot id definatly get anohter if it was swiped or broken. its a rad tool perfect for offtime beats and wierd times.. not stuck with 16 steps like korgs and others

Easy. Right out of the box you will notice the pads and will want to mash away some drums and rythms. For newbs, read the quickstart guide and you should be up and running.

TIP: READ THE MANUAL! I HATE PEOPLE ASKING ASSININE QUESTIONS WHEN IT IS CLEARLY DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL

Presets are presets. Nothing special, too synthy. Its a sampler, sample your own drums

NO time stretch. Atleast as of yet. That was kind of dissapointing.

You can plug in your own memory, upgrade to 256 MB rather than the wimpy stock 16 MB. Hopefully with compatible with Hard Drives in the future(DAMN OS)

Sequencer is great, although it has a tendency to miss samples every once in a while. *ahem* mpc-forums.com *ahem* Hopefully that will be addressed in future OS updates

It has the MPC sound. Not the rugged 60 or hard 2000 but it is very warm and sounds very good.

Hip Hop is what I stay producing and it works great for that. Can't speak on any other music types.

The pads are awesome ofcourse and when you are up and sampling your own sounds you'll realize why its a great product

Not very reliable, Live wise.

When Im playing back sequences, samples sometimes go untriggered and there is a blank space until it the sample is triggered again. Kinda sucks when you're recording and a violin chord suddenly is missing then reappears in the next 4 bars

again, maybe will be fixed with the new OS updates

Sent an email in the afternoon and got it in the evening. I guess they are good...

If it were damaged or lost I would maybe move up to the 4000 or 3000. Knowing all well of the small OS bugs lack of LFO's and effects.

It works well for what it is, an entry level sampler/sequencer into the MPC family. If you're reading this and you're still using Fruity Loops than wait no longer. It is much warmer and more fun to make music on this rather than on a computer program. This is an instrument, not a computer program

software 1.03 (will update os soon. they are up to 1.05)

the presets are horrible, but who cares. just delete them and sample your own stuff.

once you sit with it for a couple days its not to bad to figure out how to start making sequences.

the manual is mediocre at best. provides some overview of functions, but does not break them down. and the index is horrible, so flipping through the manual for one specific term or concept can take a little while. whatever, you're much better of just playing with the machine and reading good web sites for info (www.mpc-forums.com by far has the most valuable 1000 i've seen).

the ability to easily use your computer with the 1000 is its greatest advantage over other mpc's (huge sized storage, and fast load up times being the other pros).


and now off to the cons....


polyphony is ok at best. i've had issues with long cymbal samples that will cut out for absolutely no reason.

sometimes when playing a sequence samples will randomly drop out, but other times play ok. kinda unstable.

effects are ok/extremely cheesy (but still definitely a step up from not having any like in older mpcs). still i only really use the reverb and compressor for the most part. delay would have been nice, but oh well.

the 1000 is ok if you like using computers with it. by itself it is very limited. chopping up multiple samples from one long sample is mind numbing without a computer.
first off there is no zoning feature like on other mpcs (for chopping up samples quickly).

AND THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO MOVE SINGLE EVENTS IN STEP EDIT!!!
example: say you want to move a snare hit forward or backward a little bit. you cannot just select that snare hit and move it. you have to copy it, paste it in the new time you think you want, and then delete the old snare hit. if you did not put it in the right spot you have to start the whole copy/paste scenario all over again.
it is extremely retarded and time consuming to have to edit sequences like this. until they address little things like this i suggest everyone thinking about getting a 1000 to hold off. knowing akai they might wait awhile and just drop another machine (1000xl possibly??) screwing everyone who bought the 1000. or there might not be any plans for this, and they are just gonna leave 1000 users dissapointed and scammed out of their money.

dont get me wrong, in many ways this machine is good, but its seems like they might have crippled this machine for either unveiling a new machine in the future or just not caring about their customers.
ohh, almost forgot. sometimes samples randomly drop out when a sequence is playing. there are many other issues with it as well. just look around on the internet.

the 1000 has its good side, but everyone only talks about that. i just want to let anyone thinking about purchasing it to know the many BAD sides to it. research alot before you buy it!!!!!

oh and i also had to exchange mine 2 or 3 times because half of the pads were extremly unresponsive and i had to punch them as hard as i could to get them to play anything, while the other half were easy to play. if you DO buy one make sure to test out the actuall unit you are going to buy in the store. some 1000's feel ok and some feel horrible.
and BTW, i'm not some crazy oldschool mpc loyalist trying to crap on the 1000 for no reason. i'm just trying to look out for people thinking about buying this.
i wish someone had told me all this before i sunk all the money i had into it.

sound is nice and warm. defintely punchy and bassy. great for hip hop.

sound drops out randomly in sequences.
i would never use this live.

BUT i haven't had it really crash completely on me yet either so i guess thats a good thing.

regardless though, sequences play incorrectly like 10% of the time.
random as hell.

deinifetly would not use this live.

akai will address SOME issues in os updates, and thats when they feel like it.

but overall i feel they are extremely sketchy.


beware, and think twice before you spend money on their products.

severly limited in comparison to other mpcs as far as editing/sequencing goes.

a bit unstable as well.

ehh...

ver 1.04 the latest that they have put out.

The manual is ok. I basically just went ape shyt on it till i was cranking out beats. But it serves as a good referance.
As for the presets....you can use them and funk them up with other samples but, you dont by a MPC for presets...use them to practice.

I think the all of the features are great....even the ones it does not have. This machine makes me think out of the box, thats the best feature. As for the effects, I have found a use in some form or another for everyone...it depends on what you do with them...The tools are there... Be creative. Midi??? dont use it....im not a big midi fan...it takes the brains out of music...Im old school...play it till you get it right...like the old boys of music.

this all depends on what you sample... but it does reproduce the audio very correctly. But then i normally freak the hell out of the sample till you cant tell what the hell it was in the begining anyway.
It reacts to my feel or groove very nicely...the swing feature takes some time to get used to...i can keep a tempo due to my percussion background...had a motif and never once did i use quantinise...

as for the velocity....i had to reset mines to my own feel...everyone should. Get personal with the machine...it goes a long way to your indivisual sound and feel.

Depend?? I had a faulty one first but i took it back and the new one is rock solid...so it's very reliable...this is the brains of my setup...FOREVER...thanks akai.

never used them...and as for email, they responded within a day so thats cool with me.

if it was lost...i would never lose it...but if it was stolen i would wish the person who took it a good life....i would go buy a new one the same day..
I have owned my MPC for about 5-6 months now and im really getting into it more and more. Love it!!
The only thing I think could be better would be that it shipped with more internal memory.
you really cant compare it to anything else...Im a firm believer in it's the user not the equipment...how else can you explain Pete Rock and Dj Premier using old gear and cranking out hits still.

I wish it had a tilt screen, maybe one oscilator from a synth just to run my sample thru...i really cant think of anything truthfully...it pretty complete.

as for helping me make music...it's normally the start and finish...and if i run into any road blocks...i THINK around it.

try it for yourself...it's a keeper for me

1.04 version of software
Who cares about presetas
Editing is simple
OK, Akai should have their US offices look over their translations for errors

Pads are awesome. I'm a long time MPC user and these pads totally deliver. The effects are fine. Wish it had delay.

Heres the deal. I decided to go all computer early this year. I bought Sonar Producer and a fast computer. My beats sounded awful and I found out there's a thing called Jitter with computers. Basically, the midi notes don't always hit where they should. After using an MPC2000 for five years I quickly missed the timing of the mpc. So, I went out and bought an MPC1000 for the dig out and usb. Awesome little drum machine.

Hell ya. You can't depend on XP and software. This thing is always there for you and ready. Writing music is quick and tight.

Ok to work with. I have experience with other Akai products. One thing I don't like about Akai is the way they never fixed the OS for the S6000.

I would totally buy it again. NO doubt. I'm getting the extra ram for it today and a nice big flash card. Then, You can pretty much travel anywhere with this thing and not worry about it crashing or any of the other 5 million things that can go wrong with a computer.

I hope everyone understands that you don't buy a sampler for it's presets.

Synchs very easy with external midi devices including your computer.

It's best feature is it's limitations.
You can't do major click-and-drag operations.
You have to listen, go back and rerecord, or make some adjustments in the step edit window... I think this forces you to use your ears instead of your eyes, which I like

again... rating the factory sound bank doesn't make sense. It sounds as good as what you put in to it.

built well, small enough for travel.

Perfect companion for software studio.

Version 1.01
The presets are made for a demo in stores i guess, but the quality is high enough to sart at once to get a feel for the machine.
Editing patches is very easy and but i use a mpc-editor on my computer
so the program-files are ready made for getting them into the machine in seconds. Changing programs is made quick , easy and in realtime...
The manual is clear and complete, but you nearly dont need it anyway: all is very intiutive.

If i knew before what i know now about the mpc sequncer and pads, i would have buy one mpc long time before...The pads are really really great to play for me, they got the right punch to make a groove with my fingertips easy-lee. I use to trigger my clavia nordlead synth with the pads and since then everyday new melodies come to me. The pads make a synth sound funky, the envelope coming with that trigger got the right punch.My English is not good enough to tell my impression of the pads- they are exactly what i was searching for.

The sequencer is a intelligent beat poet, i play some hihat patterns for example, combine them with the note-repeat and when the midi-recording is done the sequencer give me his suggestion on what i was playing: he always understands what i was trying to play and translate it into his machine groove that comes cool like ice. Love.


I like the effects, i also miss a delay but the bit-grunger got a cool distortion. Use it on a 808 bassdrum-sound and u feel like dizzee rascal.Press "16 levels" and u can play that sound tuned over the 16 pads. Another gold feature that is,hehe.
Each sample has its own two filters, envelope, trim, loop and tune and also 4 velocity-zones for each pad are included. Love.
It has a nice little mixer for panning, out-mode, volume and send effect for each sample in each program.
There are two sliders for tuning or filtering (...) each sample in realtime. Best for filter-house music like the french ppl use to do.
Timestretch is missing , but you can do that on your computer.

U got 2x16 midi channels out- so your environment will be busy.
Its easy to synchronize it with cubase, logic, reason or ableton live.
Its also possible to import midi-files.

Like i said: the onboard effects are cool, the sequencer is magic-tightand u can change its swing quick and easy. The machine is perfect for house, techno, big beat and last not least its the hiphop machine itself. Dunno if u can play rock with it but it rocks anyway.

Seems very stable to me, never had a problem yet.
Saving your work is a bit tricky, but if you once understood the difference between programs, sequences, ALL-files and Project-files its no problem to switch the machine out and start at the same point next time. Using it on stage is cool, because just one click and the pads can be used for track muting. Just play track for track with ur fingers and the mute/unmute them to arrange in realtime. Killer.

Dont know , machine works fine. But the www is full of tutors and helpfull sites.
If u got that machine it feels like being part of a new community and they all love that machine and telling you they rock with it better than you haha.

I got it since 3 months now and made a couple of techouse and hiphop tracks with it. Before i used to do that with CubaseSx, Reason and FruityLoops. Nice too, but I love the MPC1000 because its a real instrument, you play on it (wonderful pads), u play with it and it plays with you and for you. You dont have to think that much, dont have to look that much, just play with the pads and press record if you like what you hear, track by track, sequence for sequence and arrange the tracks in realtime with the pads.
And because its an instrument u'll be getting better in playing the pads everyday. Feel the flow of playing and finding new patterns, not with your brain but with your heart and ears. Word.

Software version : 1.01 (1.05 should be out by now, haven't had time to update). The built-in presets are very usable; those that came on the extra 32-meg memory card aren't that awesome. They only occupy 9 mb. What I've noticed is that they're mono samples, and pitched +6 semitones (or something around that range) - then pitched down as they're used in the sequence. Patch editor? Wave editor in this case. Cut 'm up with Soundforge or ReCycle and save 'm on the card, then put the card in the MPC (or better; upload 'm directly via the USB connection!

I didn't need the manual yet. I think that says a lot about the machine; it's really a joy to use and intuitive for me.

32 voices of polyphony, and the 'keyboard' in this case consists of 16 rubber pads with a solid feel and velocity sensitivity - albeit that this can be switched off at will so everything's at the same volume. Built in effects sound good - there's a mastering processor in there that puts an extra layer of shine on whatever you make. It can sound good if you use decent samples; it can sound awesome if you use good samples. Expansions : 128 mb internal memory (a SO-DIMM-like expansion, only from Akai itself - which I purchased with the product). Instead of using some bulky kind of SCSI drive or an antique floppy drive, this one uses CF cards that go up to 2 gb of storage. Wicked.

MIDI : 2 ports in, 2 ports out. With single daisy chaining you'll be master of 4 instruments with no trouble; and the MPC's sequencer is as sturdy and solid as a rock (that's what it's famous for). Another thing it's famous for is its ease of use - it requires the IQ of a pack of sugar to create beats in no-time.

It works according to some kind of 'tracker' concept. You can build your rhythms, grooves and whatnot. You can make sequences that only take 2 or 4 bars or so, and 'chain' 'm together so it's really easy to build songs quickly. Or, you can simply record all the measures in the track at once. There's a lot to explore in there.

Realism depends on what you sample, naturally. Some of the preset rock kits aren't that useful - but hey, you're free to wipe the memory and start over again. I'm even thinking of selling my Novation Drumstation (after sampling it dry, of course) because this baby can handle all my percussion needs.

From its inception with the MPC-60 - it has been used for hiphop. But it's been used for other kinds of music, too; various dance producers use an MPC-2000 for their sequencing needs because it's tight, solid, and excelllent for live use. What you get is an excellent phrase sampler; and I've had a studio sampler but it was not right for what I did with it (I rarely use 'tuned' samples - one shots, loops, stabs and hits is what I need) and a sequencer that's a dream to work with. The onboard effects consist of dual filters and 2 FX processors, and the aforementioned mastering processor with EQ and compressor. I'm going to experiment some more with it once I figure those out in detail, albeit that I think I can't do that without the manual. Filters are neat, but I probably have to dive some deeper - the assigned Q link faders only scratch the surface of the range of 'm, I hope. Speaking of those - yes, 2 assignable faders for various destinations. Load in a few scratch samples and act like a deejay by changing their tune!

I think the OS will develop and grow - fixing minor bugs because this one's based on the MPC 2000's OS which had enough time to mature. I'm not expecting radical differences like on the Virus C I have - they suddenly popped in with 512 extra memory locations, other filter models and whatnot.

I'd use it on a gig. Gladly. But first, I'll have to load it to the brim with material, of course! I've also installed ReCycle on my DAW so cutting up beats to extract percussive material should be an absolute doddle.

When you're done sequencing, you can simply dump all & everything - samples assigned to pads, the sequence itself and your track - in a single folder. No hassle with various places you have to get your samples from; everything in its place. An 8 because it hasn't been stress-tested for the purpose.

Never dealt with the company; but the expansion arrived neatly in a box with a clear manual, together with the machine itself. The 32 mb CF card was a really nice extra I didn't expect. One of the things I hated about my studio sampler was that, once you bought it - it wasn't the end of the story! You need an outboard SCSI harddrive, an outboard SCSI cd-rom drive, preferably a SCSI interface card to the computer, awfully expensive cables, and yeah, an internal SCSI zip drive might help too because 3.5" floppies -suck-.

Lost? Ha, it's small in its size, but hopefully not. If it was stolen, I'd mash the perpetrator's face to a pulp, or if I wouldn't get him, work fulltime (I'm a student working part-time) to get the machine ASAP back here.

It's definately worth what I paid for it - but I was impatient. A guy I know from a producer's forum is getting one from Ebay; and that's (with the expansion!) quite a bit cheaper than what I've paid for it. But I don't want to bid on stuff, I don't want to wait, and I don't have a creditcard. And what if, any anthropomorphical representation of a force of nature forbid, something went wrong with it? Send it back for repairs? So I simply ordered it at a music store that's relatively nearby.

I've been playing synthesizers since 1991 - started with a Juno-60. Sampling came later; first with tracker computer programs (Fasttracker II), then with sample-sequencers like Sonic Foundry (now Sony)'s ACID and Soundforge (from the same company), and at last with an ESI-4000 (with the SCSI woes). I was tired of not being able to use my sampler properly (I must say, I wasn't feeling that much invited to dive into it, either) and I wanted something I could use on my lap. I can turn the computer off, hook up a controller, sample my synths, apply effects - everything without having to stare at a screen, because I'm doing that on a daily basis anyway.

I love that I can simply express myself in a better way. Using your own samples; layering, doing something more with percussion than just a simple 909 bass opens a lot of perspectives. I don't hate anything about it yet - I just wished it had brushed metal side-panels instead of the orange plastic ones :).

I've compared it with a second-hand MPC-2000 - which has some extra functions, but I'm not complaining. Such a machine would've given me extra SCSI troubles, if the previous owner didn't include the drives needed. Another device I've compared it with was a Yamaha RS-7000 - because that has a sampler too, and a card-based storage medium. But the memory can't get that big, albeit that its sequencer is a bit more creative (loop-remix and stuff like that). It also has a sound engine included which I don't need (2 sample based synths anyway), and I like to have 'dedicated' gear - samplers should sample and that's it.

It helps me to make music. I'm a knob-twiddler by nature; I delve too deep in sounddesign and stupid details, and then forget about what I actually wanted to make. This machine put the fun back in the composition process again.

Gearpile:
Access Virus C, Waldorf Q rack, Clavia Nord Micromodular, Yamaha AN200, Roland XP-30 (controller), Yamaha W5 v2 (workstation), Akai MPC-1000 w/ EXM128 memory expansion, E-mu ESI-4000 w/ Turbo expansion, Yamaha 01v + ADAT digital mixing desk, Kawai K1m module, E-mu Vintage Keys module, Novation Drumstation v1, Alesis 3630 compressor, Digitech DSP-16 effects unit, Sound King SKAP257 effects unit (Behringer clone), Emagic AMT8 midi interface, Steinberg Midex 8 midi interface, Hoontech DSP-2000 C-port audio interface, Alesis Monitor One Mark II.

Did I forget anything? Oh yes, an Arp/Solina string ensemble that's on the attic.

Looking back at what I've gathered, it's probably rather unhealthy.. :P. Remove the firewall to mail me.

I love the mpc-groove , its so easy , you need fresh samples , some time, talent and everything else makes the mpc. The presets sucks, but hey the first thing you should do is delete them,(i dont know why akai started to make presets,) The manual is a bit confusing, but if you had any mpc before it is no problem to bounce with this machine

The build in effect are ver very good, but there is no delay and time-stretch that sucks , but if you ve got a pc or mac you can do it with it, the mpc has got an USB PORT, that very cool you will never need a hd or cdr, it comes along with 16meg of Ram thats very good and enough for the beginning,the midi capabilitie is the normal mpc standard. The sequencer has a cap. of 1000000 , and that is very good and enough. show me another sequencer that that sound so tight like a mpc, IT RULES,IT RULES IT RULES and not ja rule (can you feel me)

The sound is good 44.100/16, Its a sampler !!!if you got fat samples it will sound fat,
Its a perfect hip hop machine the sounds are tighter and fatter like the 2000xl,
The effect are perfect but i miss a delay very much !!!!!!!
The velocity is perfect ,mpc standard

it looks very reliable, its a perfect gig machine cause it s so small.

i dont know

i would buy it again, it worth it,
i use this machine with my korg triton le, mo-fat, and my protool mac
and logic plat. and a lot of plugins it perfect fits in my project studio

I've previously owned several MPC 2000's. I've always liked how easy I could capture an idea without having to fire up a computer system at (eg) 2am in the morning. ;)

In terms of ease of use, I don't know of a more practical console and user interface. You simply hit record/play and you're off. Nice big, sturdy buttons that are laid out in such a way that it is nearly impossible to "fat finger" anything, too. If you screw up, there is a large "UNDO" button that illuminates after ANY operation. This may seem like a small detail, but trust me it's a BIG deal. Again, accessibility is key to productivity and brainstorming. Akai makes the creative process a breeze and always have.

The MPC 1000 adds a lot of cool features over the 2000. The 1000 comes stock with 3 effects (1 main, 2 insert), 4 outs, digital i/o, 4 midi i/o, USB (which allows you to plug into a computer and transfer data back and forth), Flash RAM (up to 2 GIGABYTES!) and a lot of other cool things you can read about here: http://www.akaipro.com/us/mpc1k.html.

As for the sequencer, in my opinion it is the best dedicated sequencer in existence. Why? First, the sequencer timing (i.e. zero latency between beats, etc etc) is superlative. Nothing comes close. Second, the methods by which you can mute and unmute tracks, step edit and perform other compositional operations is extremely easy to learn and even easier to execute. Third, the console is easier than using a "My First Sony" tape deck. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you can't go wrong.

Finally, the SIZE of this box makes it one of the most important things to happen in a long time in the gear industry. You can pack this thing in a LAPTOP bag no problem. And with the advent of Flash memory.. you could store a whole album on a 2 GB flash card EASILY.

One more thing, the unit can take 128MB of RAM memory.. problem is, no one has been abler to figure out what kind and it APPEARS as though Akai proprietary RAM sticks are the only option, which would be a HUGE drawback if you ask me since they charge WAY too much for RAM.

The stock drum programs (which autoload, by the way) are terrific if you're just starting out. A lot of the "classic" drum hits and scratches ( a la P Diddy, Timbaland, etc) are present. Also, there are about 30 demo songs and all of them are very well done. Yes, the effects are perfect for most applications. The unit's amplification and converters are (as always) hot and CLEAN with that classic Akai "punch" we all know and love.

In my experience, Akais are fairly bulletproof. The pads and sliders and buttons are exactly like the 2000's: robust and able. This unit is SOLID. One item to note though, the jog wheel feels VERY flimsy to me and it's edges actually even rub on the console if you spin it too fast. This is the ONLY cosmetic "issue" worth mentioning.

Haven't dealth with them but hear Akai USA is getting a lot better. Good private web site here: http://www.mpc-tutor.com/ Check out the forums at http://www.mpc-forums.com/

Wow, I'm cool for providing this information, aren't I? I just realized how thoughtful that was of me! :D I bet this will make SOMEONE'S day sooner or later. You're welcome in advance :D

It's AWESOME. I highly recommend this box for dance, hiphop, rnb producers. Only downside is having to compose music on the little tiny green screen :( Too bad they don't include a VGA output for a monitor hook up! :D

Email me if you find a good place to buy the correct RAM memory